The Detroit Lions finally made a move before the NFL trade deadline and acquired pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns, as per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The trade comes as a welcome addition to the Lions’ side after a season-ending injury to DE Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions acquired Smith and a 2026 seventh round draft selection from the Browns whereas Cleveland landed a 2025 fifth round and 2026 sixth round selection in the trade. The Lions’ pass rush win rate was hampered after the departure of Hutchinson. Despite being 7-1 through week 9, Detroit had a pass rush win rate of 30.6 percent in the 3 games after Hutchinson’s injury.
Za’Darius Smith has recorded 5 sacks in 9 games this season with the Browns. The 3-time pro bowler Smith has 65 career sacks. He has played for the Browns, the Packers, the Ravens and the Vikings, making the Lions his fifth team in the NFL.
The Za’Darius Smith trade seems more suited for the Lions as compared to the Browns. It was a must for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes to make a call on acquiring a good pass rusher to replace Aidan Hutchinson and they did the same. It would be unfair on Smith if we expect him to deliver the same performances as Hutchinson, who was on his way to become the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. But his addition certainly will help the Lions put a bit more pressure on the opposition. The trade can be graded A- for the Lions.
Also Read: Khalil Herbert traded to the Bengals
As for the Browns, the return for this trade was mediocre, at best. The Browns have already traded wideout Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. With DeShaun Watson out for the season with Achilles injury, the Browns have some serious restocking to do in the upcoming NFL draft. This trade’s grade for the Browns will be C, C+ at best.
The Lions played the Houston Texans next and we might see Za’Darius Smith in Lions’ color in that game!
(Image Credits: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
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